Brow Lift (Forehead Lift) in Chicago

Forehead lift — also known as brow lift — addresses factors in the upper face that contribute to an aged, sad or tired appearance. These factors include wrinkles, lines and eyebrows that sag (possibly hooding the upper eyelids) and are usually attributed to the effects of the aging process, genetics, sun damage, stress and gravity. During the operation, the tissues are tightened, skin is smoothed and sagging eyebrows are elevated to give the face a revitalized appearance. Dr. Robert Galiano is the forehead lift surgeon of choice for individuals seeking customized anti-aging solutions in Chicago.

Forehead Lift Benefits

Every forehead lift procedure is tailored to the individual goals of the patient. Depending on your specific area(s) of concern, your forehead lift could accomplish the following goals:

• Elevate sagging eyebrows (that possibly hood the upper eyelids)
• Smooth wrinkles, lines and creases crossing the forehead
• Smooth deep frown lines or furrows in between the eyebrows or at the top of the nose
• Remove excess skin or tissue that hangs over the eyes

During your forehead lift consultation, Dr. Galiano will examine your forehead and eyebrows and inquire about what you don’t like about the area and how you would like to look after surgery. He will look at the quality of your skin and your facial anatomy. Dr. Galiano will use this information to create a customized plan of treatment.

Brow Lift Procedure Details

Forehead lift is generally performed on an outpatient basis with anesthesia medication. The procedure can be performed alone or in combination with another facial rejuvenation procedure. Dr. Galiano can perform forehead lift a few different ways: using the open technique, the limited incision technique or the endoscopic technique. In an open brow lift, Dr. Galiano creates the incision along the hairline and, through the incision, removes fat and excess skin. He tightens the skin to smooth out wrinkles or lines. Dr. Galiano might tweak the muscles or make other surgical modifications to elevate the eyebrows. The brows are stitched into their new position and the remaining skin is re-draped over the improved eyebrow contour. Small sutures close the incision.

Limited Incision Technique

In a limited incision technique, the incisions are shorter and smaller. While the techniques are similar to an open brow lift, this approach concentrates on the sides of the forehead and corners of the eyes as opposed to the center of the forehead.

Endoscopic Forehead Lift

In an endoscopic forehead lift, Dr. Galiano creates small incisions and uses a small instrument called an endoscope (a tube with a light and video camera) to see and work on the internal forehead structures. This is considered a less invasive form of brow lift surgery.

Brow Lift Surgery Recovery

After surgery, the forehead and eyebrow area may be bruised, swollen, tender or numb. Patients must keep their head elevated and avoid any bending, heavy lifting or strenuous activity during the initial recovery. Oral medication is prescribed to alleviate any discomfort.

It typically takes about 10 for 14 days for the initial wound healing. Most patients take about a week or two off from work to recover. Dr. Galiano clears every patient to return to work, exercise and socializing.

FAQ

Am I an ideal candidate for brow lift?

An ideal candidate for brow lift is someone with low eyebrows who is uncomfortable with the appearance of their forehead area and who wishes to improve the look of their forehead and brows. Often, candidates will complain of deep wrinkles on the forehead, on the side of the eyes, and between the eyebrows. Dr. Galiano will evaluate several factors during your consultation to further determine your candidacy for browlift, such as overall health.

Will there be scars after my brow lift?

Brow lift surgery requires incisions that leave scars. The extent and visibility of scarring depend on the technique performed; for example, the limited-incision technique, which produces short, small scars, and the endoscopic lift, which involves short incisions hidden behind the hairline. Dr. Galiano understands that some patients may be concerned about scars when considering brow lift surgery, and utilizes techniques to minimize scarring.

Can I have other procedures done at the same time as my brow lift?

Other procedures are often combined with brow lift surgery to produce a beautiful result. Procedures often performed with brow lift surgery include eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), facelift, and certain non-surgical procedures. Dr. Galiano will provide you with a surgical treatment plan that best addresses your cosmetic concerns.

Does brow lift get rid of lines and wrinkles?

Brow lift surgery can smooth the forehead, which reduces the appearance of wrinkles and lines. Deep forehead lines are typically more visible when the eyebrows are raised. Following brow lift surgery, the eyebrows are elevated, which improves the appearance of forehead wrinkles. The result is a smooth brow area and a rejuvenated, rested appearance. If you are interested in addressing facial wrinkles, such as crow’s feet, with targeted treatments in addition to your brow lift, speak with Dr. Galiano about combining your procedure with others that can effectively improve wrinkles and fine lines.

When can I resume regular exercise after brow lift surgery?

Dr. Galiano will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions for your recovery, including pain management and restrictions, and will clear each patient for regular activities when appropriate. Typically, it is recommended that you avoid strenuous activity following surgery since it may negatively impact your recovery. Many patients find that they can return to regular activities after 10-14 days.

How do I know if I need a brow lift or an eyelid lift?

A brow lift targets the forehead and eyebrows by reducing the look of deep horizontal forehead wrinkles and elevating and reshaping the brow. Eyelid lift surgery removes the excess skin and fat from the upper and lower eyelid. Both can result in a refreshed, youthful appearance but target different areas. Sometimes, you may notice more than one cosmetic concern in similar areas and may want options for addressing everything at once. Eyelid surgery and eyebrow lift surgery can be performed at the same time. If you need or want both surgeries but wish to have only one done initially, Dr. Galiano will advise you on the appropriate order in which you should have each procedure based on your unique case.

How long do the results of a brow lift last?

Most patients enjoy the benefits of a brow lift for 10 to 15 years or more. While no procedure can stop the natural aging process, the repositioning of tissue and removal of excess skin resets the clock significantly. Factors such as skin quality, genetics, and lifestyle habits all influence longevity. Fortunately, most patients find that a well-performed brow lift ages gracefully, maintaining a natural look for years.

How much does a brow lift cost?

The cost of brow lift surgery varies depending on the technique used, the complexity of the case, anesthesia fees, and facility costs. Because every patient’s goals and anatomy are different, Dr. Galiano provides a personalized estimate during the consultation. Financing options may also be available to make the procedure more affordable.

Can BOTOX replace a brow lift?

BOTOX can smooth forehead lines and provide a modest lift to the brows, making it an excellent option for patients with mild sagging. However, when there is significant drooping or excess skin, BOTOX alone is not sufficient. A surgical brow lift is the best choice for more dramatic and enduring correction.

What should I avoid after brow lift surgery?

Patients should avoid strenuous exercise, bending, or lifting heavy objects for at least two weeks. Alcohol and smoking can impair healing and should be avoided during the recovery period. It’s also important to keep the head elevated, sleep on the back, and protect the incisions from sun exposure while they heal.

Will a brow lift change the shape of my eyes?

A brow lift can subtly open up your eyes by lifting heavy tissue that hangs over them. While it is not designed to alter eye shape, you should notice a refreshed, more alert appearance. For those who want to address eyelid concerns in addition to brow sagging, eyelid surgery can be performed at the same time.

What is the best age to get a brow lift?

Most patients consider a brow lift in their 40s to 60s, when signs of aging in the forehead and brows become more pronounced. However, younger patients with genetically low brows or premature aging may also benefit. Candidacy depends more on anatomy and concerns than your chronological age, which is why the consultation process is so important before having plastic surgery.

Can a brow lift improve vision affected by sagging eyebrows?

Yes. In some cases, sagging brows can physically obstruct the upper visual field. By elevating the brows and removing excess skin, a brow lift may restore peripheral vision and relieve eye strain. Patients with functional impairment may even qualify for insurance coverage in select situations, although this is rare.

What lifestyle habits can help maintain brow lift results longer?

Protecting the skin from sun damage (with sunblock), avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and practicing good skincare can help extend results. Some patients also choose periodic non-surgical treatments such as BOTOX or laser therapy to maintain smoother skin and complement their surgical outcome.

Schedule A Forehead Lift Consultation

To learn more about the forehead lift procedure, please contact our office and request a consultation with Dr. Galiano. Call (312) 926-4382, or fill out our consultation form online.